Do Non-Citizens Have to Pay Taxes?
In short, yes. Even though they may not be citizens, nonresidents (foreign nationals, or those who have not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test) and residents alike must file tax returns if they have been engaged in trade or business in the United States during the year. Tax Differences for Citizens, Read More
What Does It Mean to Be a “Sanctuary City”?
In 2015, more than 200 state and local jurisdictions, known as “sanctuary cities,” chose to not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In 2017, an executive order signed by President Trump stated that sanctuary jurisdictions will not be eligible for federal grants. Since then, certain federal courts have blocked or restrained that order, and Read More
Too Much Demand, Not Enough H-2B Visas
Congress created the H-2B visa program in 1990 in order to help non-farm businesses acquire seasonal workers. As acceptance of the program grew, so did the competition for visas. In 2014, most H-2B workers came from Mexico, being hired primarily by employers in Texas. Each year, there are 66,000 visas available for businesses half (33,000) Read More
What is Refugee Status and Who Qualifies?
Since 1975, over 3 million refugees from around the world have made their home in the United States, thanks to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. A refugee is defined as an individual who flees his/her home country for fear of violence or persecution due to race, religion, political opinions, or affiliation in a particular social Read More
A Quick Guide to Naturalization in the U.S.
Naturalization is the process by which the United States government grants citizenship to foreign citizens or nationals, who must first fulfill requirements outlined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Naturalization allows you full access to all of the rights given to U.S. citizens. Note: The information below is not intended to be a complete Read More
A Guide to Student Visas: F and M Visas
F-1 visas allow international students to study full-time and live in the United States. A full-time course of study is 12 credit hours or more of coursework per semester in an undergraduate program, but the definition of “full-time” for graduate programs is a combination of credit hours with research time and will vary. F-1 visas Read More
The Facts About Removal Proceedings in the United States
What Is an NTA? The Notice to Appear (NTA) is the “charging document” that signals the initiation of removal proceedings against a respondent. If you receive an NTA, it means that you must appear in Immigration Court on the date specified or at a date to be determined in the future. The NTA must be Read More
Getting Your Green Card – Part 2
In our last article, we talked about who was eligible for a Green Card. Now, we will talk about the process of obtaining a Green Card in the United States. The following information is general information we offer at no cost, but it should NOT be taken or used as legal advice. The Application Process Read More
Getting Your Green Card – Part 1
An official Permanent Resident Card, commonly referred to as a Green Card, authorizes an immigrant to live and work permanently in the United States. This card was named after its color when first issued shortly after World War II. Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Green Card? To apply, you will need a U.S. Read More
The Fight over DACA
One can’t turn on the television or pick up a newspaper these days without hearing about the political fight over Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an executive order issued by President Barack Obama in 2012. What Is DACA? DACA provides temporary protection from deportation for certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States Read More
